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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from Nathan, a student: joe left home in his bike at 10:00 am, traveling 21 km/h. At noon, his brother set out after him on his motorcycle, following the same route. if the motorcycle traveled at 63 km/h, what time was it when joe's brother passed him? |
Hi Nathan,
Think about a people mover, the kind you see at an airport.
Suppose the belt on a very long people mover is travelling at 21 km/hr and Joe steps on and stands still. You are not on the belt so even though Joe is standing still, from your vantage point he is moving at 21 km/hour. When Joe's brother arrives 2 hours later how far has Joe moved?
Joe's brother drives he motorcycle onto the belt going 42 km/hr. From your vantage point Joe's brother is moving at 21 + 42 = 63 km/hr. From Joe's brothers vantage point he is travelling at 42 km/hr and Joe is standing still. How long will Joe's brother take to pass Joe?
Penny
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